A Shiv Sena corporator has proposed that municipal schools start teaching foreign languages such as Spanish, French and Japanese.

Leader of the house in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Trushna Vishwasrao put forth the suggestion at the group leaders’ meeting. The proposal will now be forwarded to the administration for consideration.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Vishwasrao said, “The world is evolving fast, our students should also get the chance to learn these languages and become smarter.”

In her proposal, Vishwasrao has demanded that foreign languages be introduced from the next academic year for students in the secondary section.

Asked whether students would be burdened — they already learn three languages, English, Hindi and Marathi — Vishwasrao said, “Children have a lot of grasping power. They should be taught skills at a younger age. Besides, these languages will help them get better job opportunities later in life. The idea was suggested by Aditya Thackeray during an inauguration programme last week. I want to prove that BMC schools are no less than convent and private schools. Our students prove it every year when the SSC results are announced.”

The corporator added that she would discuss the proposal with the education department of the BMC.

Vishwasrao has also proposed having a medical room in municipal schools.